Recently, the Coast Guard refused Lieutenant Commander Joseph J. Healy's request for a religious exemption from receiving a Hepatitis A immunization shot in which the vaccine comes from cells of an aborted child. Beyond my initial shock at discovering the Coast Guard gets its vaccines from such a source, I found myself additionally shocked to hear that the denial of Commander Healy's request was based on theological grounds. ADF reports that, "In response [to Healy], Capt. Brent Pennington denied the request because he disagreed with Healy’s theology, claiming that Catholic teaching 'does not state that these immunizations are against the religious tenets of the Catholic Church.'"

ADF adds, "Because of the denial, Healy may be forced, under threat of severe penalty, to receive the immunization against his will. ADF attorneys have filed a motion along with the lawsuit asking the court to prevent that from happening while the case moves forward in court."

Now, I'm usually as pro-military as one can get , but yikes. Unfortunately, a quick web search reveals that no alternative for the Hepatitis A vaccine currently exists, so I understand the Coast Guard's predicament in using a morally-tainted product (though that's not to say I agree with their policy). Still, I doubt Commander Healy will cause a Coast Guard-wide Hepatitis outbreak by not receiving this vaccine. To furthermore base their refusal on a theological disagreement with Healy's stance is absurd. What's next? Will Healy be told he's predestined to receive this vaccine so a belief in free will is irrelevant? (NOTE: I'm not taking a theological position here - just making a point)